Matthew 6:3

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Matthew 6:3 is a verse from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus. The verse specifically addresses the manner in which acts of charity, or almsgiving, should be conducted by followers of Jesus.

Text

In the King James Version of the Bible, Matthew 6:3 is stated as: "But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:" This verse follows a warning against performing righteous acts for the sake of being seen by others, and it emphasizes the importance of sincerity and humility in giving to the needy.

Interpretation

The metaphorical language of not letting "thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth" is interpreted to mean that acts of charity should be done discreetly and without seeking attention or praise from others. The teaching encourages believers to focus on the spiritual reward from God rather than earthly recognition. This verse, along with the surrounding context, underscores a theme of genuine piety and the value of internal spiritual integrity over external appearances.

Context

Matthew 6:3 is part of a larger section within the Sermon on the Mount that addresses the practice of piety in everyday life. This includes instructions on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Jesus contrasts the behavior of the Pharisees, who perform religious acts to be seen by others, with the behavior he prescribes for his followers, which is characterized by humility and the pursuit of God's approval rather than human praise.

Theological Significance

This verse has been influential in shaping Christian attitudes towards charity and the manner in which it is conducted. It has encouraged a tradition of anonymous giving and the belief that charitable acts should be performed for the sake of compassion and obedience to God, rather than for the accolades that may come from others. The emphasis on secrecy in giving has also been interpreted as a way to preserve the dignity of those receiving aid.

See Also

• Sermon on the Mount
• Gospel of Matthew
• Almsgiving
• Christian charity